What does "fear your God" imply about our relationship with money? The Verse in Focus “Do not take interest or any profit from him, but fear your God, so that your brother can continue to live among you.” — Leviticus 25:36 Fearing God Defined - A reverent acknowledgment that the LORD alone owns everything (Psalm 24:1). - A conscious submission to His authority in every decision (Proverbs 9:10). - A heartfelt desire to honor His name above personal gain (Deuteronomy 10:12–13). Seven Truths About Money Drawn from the Verse 1. God’s ownership sets the terms. • Because the land and its produce belong to Him (Leviticus 25:23), He dictates how profit is pursued. 2. Interest at another’s expense violates reverence. • Charging the needy for survival money elevates self above God’s compassionate standard. 3. Love for neighbor flows from fear of God. • Financial dealings must preserve a brother’s ability to “continue to live” rather than cripple him (cf. Leviticus 19:18). 4. Profit is not the ultimate goal; obedience is. • “Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil” (Proverbs 15:16). 5. Greed signals misplaced fear. • “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10); fear of God drives out that competing love. 6. Contentment showcases trust. • “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have” (Hebrews 13:5). 7. Accountability is certain. • Those who fear God live as stewards who will give an account (Romans 14:12), shaping every budget and investment. Supporting Scriptures - Exodus 22:25—no interest charged to the poor. - Deuteronomy 24:14–15—pay wages promptly. - Psalm 111:10—wisdom begins with fearing the LORD. - Matthew 6:24—cannot serve God and money. - Luke 6:35—lend expecting nothing in return. - Acts 20:35—“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Putting It Into Practice - Budget with generosity at the top, not the leftovers. - Refuse profit that exploits ignorance, desperation, or dependency. - Treat every transaction as an act of worship, done “in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). - Cultivate regular giving that stretches faith and curbs greed. - Celebrate contentment by listing God’s daily provisions and thanking Him aloud. Living in the fear of God transforms money from a master to a managed tool, aligning every dollar with the holy character of the One we revere. |
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